IRCC invites 1,325 candidates in the latest all-program Express Entry draw
In the most recent Express Entry draw, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued invitations to apply (ITAs).
In an all-program draw, the department invited 1,325 candidates to apply.
To be eligible for an ITA, candidates needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 542.
This draw follows the most recent results from December 8, when 5,900 candidates received ITAs with a minimum CRS of 481 in a category-based selection draw for STEM candidates. On December 7th, a category-based draw for individuals with French language proficiency was held, inviting 1,000 candidates from the Express Entry pool with a CRS of 470 or higher.
On December 6, there was also an all-program draw for candidates with a minimum CRS of 561. It was the first draw in more than a month. Prior to that, on October 26, there was a category-based selection draw for candidates in healthcare occupations.
The cause of the temporary halt in draws was not confirmed by IRCC, but on November 14 the department tweeted that there was an IT issue with the Express Entry profile builder for candidates who had received an ITA and were attempting to upload their final application to IRCC’s website.
The department reported that the glitch had been fixed two days later, on November 16, but draws did not resume immediately, as was widely expected.
There are numerous reasons why IRCC may postpone an Express Entry draw, including if they are already on track to meet Express Entry candidate targets outlined in the Immigration Levels Plan, IT issues, staffing changes, or updates to the Comprehensive Ranking System.
What Exactly is Express Entry?
Express Entry is a system for managing applications for three major economic immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP).
Express Entry employs the Comprehensive Ranking System to score candidates based on their human capital factors. Work experience, language ability, education, age, and occupation are all examples of human capital factors.
Those with the highest CRS score are more likely to be invited to apply for permanent residence in an upcoming Express Entry draw.
After receiving an ITA, a candidate can submit their application to IRCC. The department has a six-month service standard for processing Express Entry applications and issuing final decisions.
